Evangel University - Lancer Yearbook (Springfield, MO)

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sion clan education. tribute to the ership of gift- d administra- had even in its a clear self- se of purpose. development, 5 earned the e academic insisting on -nce and em- ntegration of g. ences can be Evangel and i blies of God is a striking curricula of- mpus. A Bible um may be e five or six ngel students a total of 26. ignificant dis- tinctive, howeverl is philoso- phical. Students prepare for car- eers that extend beyond full- time church service, but this does not exclude students who major in biblical studies in preparation for pulpit ministry. Some people have sought to describe the difference between Evangel and a Bible college as a secular program versus a spiritual program. We are not comfortable with that. We believe God directs and Chooses people for careers in business, education, and other professions as certainly as he Chooses pastors and evan- gelists. We believe that prepar- ation for life service is a spiritual endeavor. Evangel's future role will be more important and more critical than it has been in the past. Helping students become what God would have them be, rather than just preparing people to earn a living, Evangel will be in unique compatibility with the move of the Holy Spirit. Without hesitation, I foresee Evangel, in this cen- tury, preparing leaders in society who have an under- standing of the times. The Evangel of tomorrow will be an educational institu- tion providing academic leadership, not only for the Assemblies of God, but for a wide segment of evangelical Christianity. With an ever increasing percentage of our faculty holding doctoral or other terminal degrees, an expanding library, and adequate academic facilities, we will have the human and physical resources to furnish academics. With continued strength- ening of our academic areas, I foresee the attraction of in- creasing numbers of highly qualified high school graduates whose matriculation on our campus will provide greater incentive and challenges to the faculty. The Evangel of tomorrow that I envision, is more than just a complex of beautiful and functional buildings. It is more than a group of 2,000 outstand- ing young people from around the world. It is more than an academic program directed by an eminently qualified faculty. Evangel is the fulfillment and the perpetuation of the dreams and prayers of many who have preceded us. 8 leadership in 041's; t . LL $CQEI 2 ' $14th 1.: 5-4-2 yAs the college grows and demands more specialized administrators, I will be free to devote more time to the specific duties of my office. President Spence 97

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At the dedication of Lewis Hall, Dr. Robert H. Spence meets informally with the Rev. T. F. Zimmerman and the Rev. G. Raymond Carlson, General and Assistant Superintendents of the Assemblies of God. President Spence waits for the melody of Happy Anniversary to die down. The cake was presented during founder's week. Leadership provides vision President Spence defines purpose and plan The thing I have tried to do over the , yearswas to maintain a close contact and accessibility to students as the school expands. s Evangel College ob- served its 25th Anniver- sary, it was appropriate to reflect on the developments of the first quarter-century and, on the basis of past progress, make projections for the future. From its beginning, the Assemblies of God movement had an involvement in Chris- tian higher education and maintained a number of educa- tional institutions. Until Evangel was founded, however, these educational endeavors concentrated pri- marily on ministerial training. Even the limited ventures into general education classes served only to broaden the Bible college curriculum. The uniqueness of Evangel as it' opened in 1955, was that it would be specifically dedicated to a liberal arts education. It is a great tribute to the outstanding leadership of gift- ed educators and administra- tors that Evangel had even in its formative years, a clear self- identity and sense of purpose. With 25 years of development, the college has earned the respect of the academic community by insisting on academic excellence and em- phasizing the integration of faith and learning. Many differences can be noted between Evangel and the other Assemblies of .God colleges. There is a striking contrast in the curricula of- fered on each campus. A Bible college curriculum may be designed to serve five or six majors, while Evangel students may choose from a total of 26. The more significant dis- tinctive, however phical. Students prey eers that extend time church serv does not exclude 1 major in biblica preparation for pL Some people to describe the between Evangel college as a sec: versus a spiritual are not comfortal We believe God chooses people f business, educatic professions as ce chooses pastors gelists. We beliew ation for life 1 spiritual endeavow Evangel's fut be more importa critical than it ha: 96 President Spence l ?.c-a'vF-Wt'r' Kr :

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Invaluable to George Craw- ford, business manager, is his secretary, Betty Schoolfield. As business manager, Craw- ford handled the school's finances. Planning the graphics and design for college develop- ment promotion, Neil Eskelin, development, works on the college insignia. Photo by Cliff Spencer. director of 98 A dministra tion Doing two things at once is often necessary for the dean of students. This is Vanzant's second year as the dean. 4 Cliff Spencer Fou Admi he effort ation of tributed ness and excell College. With and creative Evangel would students each markedly differ The men positions were Vanzant, dean Zenas Bicket, George Craw manager; and director of de Vanzant's I made him awa of the students ment as Chris transition fro cence to youn- spent much of generate prol assist individua high school int hood. Couns and student gc grams providet changes experi students. Bic'ket state faculty is neces a quality progra Chase after fat prepare the st outside thrOL learning experi Academica has been expar areas of study computer sciel improved faci on-Iine registra informed instr